ABSTRACT
Recognising that geography pupils are also citizens in local, national and global communities, the chapter explores how at different stages pupils can use geographical information systems (GIS) to enhance their learning by drawing on their personal geographies. Teachers can build on pupils’ geographies through use of GIS and other technologies to learn about the past, present and future of their localities. At the same time, pupils can make informed decisions about their locality through the integration of technologies, alongside a range of other geographical techniques. Their learning can then be taken to a range of places, including the media, local councils and other decision-making fora to highlight the real-world relevance of geography. Specific examples in the chapter draw on work undertaken in the context of Ireland and include the use of Story Maps to enhance pupils’ personal geographies through geography fieldwork, as well as web-based GIS to help pupils understand and appreciate geographical processes affecting their communities. Whist the focus for this type of learning emerges from geography and geospatial technologies, the links to other subjects such as social, personal and health education (SPHE) and citizenship are also considered.
